We plan to incorporate certain gluten-free/casein-free recipes and meals into our diet. Children with certain behavioral problems or neurological disorders, such as autism and SPD, have shown a great reduction in symptoms after removing gluten and casein from their diets. We won't know for sure if that's how it is for Jaimie but it's an option for down the road.
Jaimie graduated from kindergarten in June 2009—we couldn't be more proud of her. We had to fight to get her into a regular class as well as for the help she'll need to cope with school, but we did it. People are finally listening to us. In fact, the teacher she has for Grade One is not only interested in learning everything she can about SPD so that she can help Jaimie through the next school year, she also shared a story with me about how she recognized the symptoms in a child she'd had in her class the year before. She helped to guide the parents to the treatment that child needed to thrive. I don't think I have to tell you the relief we feel.
Today, Jaimie still has bad days and struggles with every day activities. But she's doing her best and that's all that matters. The fact that my little girl who feared leaving the house actually performed in a Christmas concert and went ice skating shows her Dad and I that everything we're doing for her, and continue to do for her, makes a difference.
Don't give up! Things will be okay.
The Key to Serenity
Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation--Some fact of my life--unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake. Unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.
Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, 4th Ed.
About the Author: Chynna T. Laird
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada with my younger brother, Cam. We actually moved around a lot but always stayed in Winnipeg.
Why you are uniquely qualified to write this book?
My daughter, Jaimie, was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) when she was 2-½. I'm not an expert or a therapist—I'm just a mom who struggled to find someone to help me understand my child so I could help her.
Why did you write this book?
We'd struggled for over two years prior to Jaimie's diagnosis not only with figuring out how to help Jaimie but simply trying to get someone just to listen to our concerns. I did a lot of research, interviewed many people—including experts in the SPD and autism communities—and wrote a lot during our journey. Once we were on the right path, I decided to use the information and knowledge I gained to help other parents who were in the same situation we were in.
There weren't as many resources when we began our journey, especially for those here in Canada. I wanted to contribute a project that wasn't just explaining what SPD is or how to detect it but more to give parents some comfort that they aren't “the only ones” going through this and, maybe, inspire them to keep on going—keep fighting, keep knocking on doors and to never give up.
What do you think readers will get out of it?
The main message I'm hoping readers will get from our story is “look beyond the surface.” If I've learned nothing else in life it's that an overt behavior is never the only indication that something is wrong—it's most often a symptom. Parents should always listen to that gut feeling—that intuition in the pit of the stomach telling us that something is amiss—and search for answers until you're exhausted then keep right on searching until you find the right answers, the right, diagnosis and the right way to help your child. Only you know what would work.
What will you do next in your life?
I have a reference book about the Sensory Diet coming out in January 2011. I'll also continue to write, research, and speak on raising a child with SPD. I also have a couple of fiction projects in the works as well as another memoir on living with a mother who had untreated bipolar disorder and alcoholism. The memoir about my mom is a story to help those understand the importance of diagnosis and treatment for mental illness. There's such a stigma placed on these people and that's often why they won't seek the help they desperately need. I'm hoping my story will show why treatment is so important for a sufferer's entire family, especially when they have children.
~~~
You can get in touch with Chynna and find out about all her latest projects at www.lilywolfwords.ca
Resources and Websites
Lily Wolf Words (my personal website packed full with stories, links to helpful resources, book and product recommendations and a newsletter) please visit www.lilywolfwords.ca
SPD Foundation: www.spdfoundation.net
Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center:
www.sensory-processing-disorder.com
Sensory Critters.com: www.sensorycritters.com
Kid Power site www.kid-power.org/sid.html
Sensory Integration Dysfunction:
http://home.comcast.net/~momtofive/SIDWEBPAGE2.htm
One Mom's Synopsis on the subject of SID/SPD:
http://www.kid-power.org/sid/sidsynopsis.html
SPD Canada: www.spdcanada.org
Sensory Fun (Bonnie Arnwine): www.sensoryfun.com
Sensory Resources: www.sensoryresources.com
Sensory Smarts: www.sensorysmarts.com
Sensory Street: www.sensorystreet.com
S.I. Focus magazine site: www.sifocus.com
There are also fantastic online parent support groups on YahooGroups.com. Search for SPD groups on the YahooGroups page and choose what works best for you.
Bibliography
Arnwine, B., & McCoy, O. (2007). Starting sensory integration therapy: Fun activities that won't destroy your home or classroom! Arlington, Tex: Future Horizons.
Auer, C. R., & Blumberg, S. L. (2006). Parenting a child with sensory processing disorder: A family guide to understanding and supporting your sensory-sensitive child. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Ayres, A. J., Erwin, P. R., & Mailloux, Z. (2004). Love, Jean: Inspiration for families living with dysfunction of sensory integration. Santa Rosa, CA: Crestport Press
Biel, L., & Peske, N. K. (2005). Raising a sensory smart child: The definitive handbook for helping your child with sensory integration issues. New York: Penguin Books.
Canfield, J. (2008). Chicken soup for the soul: Children with special needs. Deerfield Beach, Fla: Health Communications.
Kranowitz, C. S. (2005). The out-of-sync child: Recognizing and coping with sensory processing disorder. New York: A Skylight Press Book/A Perigee Book.
Kranowitz, C. S., & Wylie, T. J. (2004). The Goodenoughs get in sync: A story for kids about the tough day when Filibuster grabbed Darwin's rabbit foot…: an introduction for sensory processing disorder and sensory integration. Las Vegas: Sensory Resources.
Laird, D. I'm not weird, i have sid. (2007) Outskirts Press.
Miller, L. J., & Fuller, D. A. (2006). Sensational kids: Hope and help for children with sensory processing disorder (SPD). New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Renna, D. M., Stark, R., & Renna, M. (2007). Meghan's world: The story of one girl's triumph over sensory processing disorder. Speonk, NY: Indigo Impressions.
Szklut, S., Kranowitz, C. S., & Koomar, J. (2007). Answers to questions teachers ask about sensory integration (including sensory processing disorder). Arlington, Texas: Future Horizons.
Books on Anxiety, OCD, and Worrying
The following books I've added to my personal library because they are wonderful in teaching children how to deal with, cope with, and connect to his or her feelings. We've found all of them tremendously useful, especially the ones where kids get to write and draw too.
Bloomquist, M. L., & Bloomquist, M. L. (
2006). Skills training for children with behavior problems: A parent and practitioner guidebook. New York: Guilford Press.
Buron, K. D. (2006). When my worries get too big!: A relaxation book for children who live with anxiety. Shawnee Mission, Kan: Autism Asperger Pub.
Fitzgibbons, L., & Pedrick, C. (2003). Helping your child with OCD: A workbook for parents of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Huebner, D., & Matthews, B. (2006). What to do when you worry too much: A kid's guide to overcoming anxiety. “What to do” guides for kids. Washington, D.C.: Magination Press.
Jaffe, A. V., & Gardner, L. (2005). My book full of feelings: How to control and react to the size of your emotions. Shawnee Mission, Kan: Autism Asperger Pub.
Stallard, P. (2002). Think good, feel good: A CBT workbook for young people. New York: Wiley.
Index
A
antioxidants, 92
anxiety, 78, 90, 144
Asperger's, xi, 35, 36, 37
autism, xi, 8, 34, 35, 36, 43, 97, 135
vs. SPD, 43
autonomic nervous system, 92
Axline, v., 79
Ayres, A.J., xi, xii
C
chiropractic, 101
choline, 93
communication skills, 8, 44
Community Options, 89, 90, 115, 118, 120
coping skills, vii, 65
craniosacral therapy, 101
D
dancing, 18
diapers, 29, 31, 38
diet, 91–94
sensory, 100
discipline, 51, 65, 96, 131, 132
dressing, 16
E
Early Intervention Program. See EIP
eating, 12, 13–14
Edmonton, 12, 41, 63, 98, 130
EIP, vi, 41, 69, 74
eliminating, 14
eye contact, 16, 32, 36, 53, 78, 107
F
Feingold Program, 135
G
Gravelle, D., 42, 128
group therapy, 97
H
head banging, vi, 6, 17, 26, 40, 41, 56, See also self-harm
home visits, 97
hospital preschool intervention, 98
I
IKEA egg, 133
K
Kelly, P., 131, 132
Kranowitz, C., vii, 44, 99, 100, 101, 123, 143
M
MacDonald, J., 130
magnesium, 92
Miller, L., xii
moving house, 33
N
NICU, 114, 117
night terrors, 6, 12, 82
nonverbal communication, 8
O
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. See OCD
occupational therapist, vi, 21, 64, 71, 97
OCD, 78, 144
Omega-3, 91, 92, 93
over-responsive, vii, viii
P
perceptual motor therapy, 102
physical therapy, 101
Pinel, J., xi
Play Therapy, 78, 79, 82, 96, 98
preparation, 80
preschool, 44, 63, 75, 80, 87, 89, 95, 97, 102, 106–11, 113, 115, 116, 118, 119
proprioceptive, ix–x
psychiatrist, 63, 64, 71, 75, 77, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 91, 120, 121
psychologist, 6, 71, 74, 97
R
repetitive behaviors, 8, 35
routine
need for, 34, 35
S
school, 123–25
self-harm, 17
sensory overload, ix, xii, 36
sensory questionnaire, 50
sleeping, 15
social interaction, 8, 36, 85
socializing, 16
SPD
and SID, xii
assessment, vii
causes, x
defined, vii–viii
diagnosis, vii
in adults, xi
resources, 141
speech therapist, 64, 66, 98, 99, 101
T
tactile, viii–ix
Tilton, A., 36
toilet training, 14, 38
triggers, 8, 103
tyrosine, 92
U
Upledger
J., 101
V
vestibular, ix
vitamins, 91, 92, 93, 99
W
worrying, 144
Y
YMCA, 102, 106, 107, 111
What if we could resolve childhood
trauma early, rather than late?
We are understanding more and more about how early traumatic experiences affect long-term mental and physical health:
• Physical impacts are stored in muscles and posture
• Threats of harm are stored as tension
• Overwhelming emotion is held inside
• Negative emotional patterns become habit
• Coping and defense mechanism become inflexible
What if we could resolve childhood trauma before years go by and these effects solidify in body and mind?
In a perfect world, we'd like to be able to shield children from hurt and harm. In the real world, children, even relatively fortunate ones, may experience accidents, injury, illness, and loss of loved ones. Children unfortunate enough to live in unsafe environments live through abuse, neglect, and threats to their well-being and even their life.
Experts Praise Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction
“This book is a must for any therapist working with kids. Naturally, it focuses on the approach of Traumatic Incident Reduction, but there is a lot of excellent material that will be useful even to the therapist who has never before heard of TIR and may not be particularly interested in learning about it. The general approach is respectful of clients, based on a great deal of personal experience by contributors as well as on the now extensive research base supporting TIR, and fits the more general research evidence on what works”.
—Robert Rich, PhD
“Much useful and thoroughly researched information is packed into this priceless volume in the TIR Application Series. This is a good book for parents to read because s/he may take away an understanding of the many different therapy strategies available to them and their children.”
—Lisa Bullert, Reader Views
ISBN 978-1-932690-30-9 List $19.95
More information at www.TIRbook.com
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